How To: Get Backstage

Success rate: 50% to 80% — You may achieve unlimited access by working the event, but the problem is that you’ll be working. This could mean that you could be located away from the action. You also might be too busy to get away and miss the window of opportunity.

moderate risk

Methods that require moderate risk have more repercussions and they demand a certain amount of courage. If you’re willing to lie, cheat and do whatever it takes to get backstage then the consequences associated with these tips, such as mild embarrassment or rejection, likely won’t intimidate you.

I'm on the list

If you are inconspicuous enough you may be able to catch a glimpse of the guest list. Once you have been able to do so, pick a name of a person that you could pass as. Try to select a corporate sponsor if possible, as many don’t attend and they often receive passes as a courtesy.

Be confident — you’re on the list, you know who you are, and you’re supposed to be there. Apprehension shows and might alert the access guard to your intentions.

Success rate: 20% to 50% — The success of the “I’m on the list” approach relies heavily on your success of getting a glimpse of the list, which is a difficult feat. Most lists are fairly guarded.

Piggyback

You may not have connections at the event, but someone does. The piggyback relies on your ability to quickly identify and blend in with that person or group. First, get to the area where they are letting fans, media and friends get backstage.

Once you’ve identified the group, linger with them on the fringes, smile and look as if you’re part of their gathering. When they start to move backstage simply follow. If you’re stopped you can always say you’re with them. If you linger long enough you may pick up enough information to convince security or even an inebriated enough group that you are with them.

Success rate: Zero to 20% — The piggyback is rarely successful. It relies on your talent to stick with a group that has privileged access. Security is trained to spot people who don’t belong and will likely be able to pick you out of a crowd. In addition, a group with exclusive access is usually exclusive, not inclusive. They don’t like hangers-on and will recognize an outsider. You can improve the success of this tip by trying it when the backstage rush is at its busiest.

high risk

Warning: the higher the risk, the greater the repercussions. Consequences can range from embarrassment and ejection to serving jail time. All of the high-risk methods require a blatant disregard for the rules.

Rambo

You will need to purchase a security shirt, as the Rambo approach requires you to pose as security personnel and walk into the areas you want to get into. Before you jump right into it, observe the security personnel: How do they walk and talk? How do they interact with each other?

Get ready to do some time if you get caught with the tips that follow…